World's Tallest Teenager: Rumeysa Gelgi, 17, Is 7ft Tall

A 17-year Turkish girl has been declared the world's tallest female teenager.

Rumeysa Gelgi, who is 7ft 0.09 inches tall, received the Guinness World Record award in her hometown of Safranbolu, Karabük.

Rumeysa's height is believed to be the result of Weaver's syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes rapid growth.

As a result of her condition, Rumeysa suffers from instability and has difficult walking. She has also had unkind comments from members of the public.

But despite these problems, Rumeysa said winning the world record was 'a dream come true'.

"It's one of my biggest dreams to be awarded with this record," she told reporters. "Being a record-holder is a very amazing thing.

"I know that only the special people can make it and I know I'm one of them now."

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Rumeysa with her niece Zeynep

"I like being different from everyone else. It's interesting and makes me feel special. It also provides me with easy access to high places, and looking down at people from above isn't a bad thing either!"

Rumeysa, who is high school and lives with her parents and older siblings, was measured for the award in front of Guinness World Records official Seyda Subasi-Gemici, who said:

"Guinness World Records celebrates diversity and recognises extraordinary people all over the world. Rumeysa Gelgi has shown tremendous courage in the way that she has dealt with her condition, and it is an honour to meet and award her with the record title of Tallest Teenager."

Rumeysa has been told she is unlikely grow any more, which means she will not win the title of Tallest Living Person, a record currently held by 8ft 3in Sultan Kösen.

The Tallest Ever Female Teenager is Canadian Anna Haining Swan, who died on August 5 1888. She reached a height of 7ft 11 in. The Tallest Man on record is American Robert Wadlow who measured 8ft 11.1 in in 1940.

Rumeysa's record will feature in the 2015 Guinness World Records book which is out in September.